Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed Prof. Salvatore Moccia, Chief Education & Skills Officer of 28DIGITAL, Belgium, who expressed their interest in exploring potential collaboration with UGM in digital innovation, talent development, and international academic partnerships during a meeting at Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK) UGM on November 4, 2026. The meeting was also part of 28DIGITAL’s visit to Indonesia in conjunction with its participation in the European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) at Global EduFair 2026, held on the same day. The discussion provided an opportunity for both institutions to exchange perspectives, explore potential synergies, and identify pathways for future collaboration.

28DIGITAL is Europe’s digital innovation engine, dedicated to turning knowledge into innovation, scaling startups into global ventures, and developing top digital talent. Through its international network, the organization connects academic institutions and innovation ecosystems to create opportunities for knowledge exchange, talent mobility, and cross-border collaboration.

During the meeting, Prof. Moccia outlined several opportunities that UGM could explore through its network, including connecting with international university partners, identifying scholarship opportunities, and facilitating student mobility between institutions in Europe and Asia. Rather than being limited to a particular field, collaborations can be tailored to the academic interests and priorities of participating institutions. The representative also introduced the membership scheme, which would allow it to propose and develop collaborations with other members according to its institutional needs. 

Representing UGM, Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D., Head of UGM’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), welcomed the discussion as an opportunity to better understand 28DIGITAL’s concept, operational model, and potential collaboration mechanisms. “We now have a clearer understanding of how 28DIGITAL operates and the opportunities it offers. The next step is to identify the right counterparts within UGM and see how these opportunities align with our academic priorities. Considering 28DIGITAL’s focus on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and executive courses, alongside its startup support initiatives, we see potential opportunities to explore further with our Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. As an initial step, we can share this information with the relevant departments and faculties while exploring the possibility of joining,” he explained.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for both institutions to exchange perspectives and explore potential areas of mutual interest. Such discussions reflect UGM’s ongoing efforts to broaden its international connections and create opportunities for academic exchange, knowledge sharing, and future collaboration across borders.

Yogyakarta, 4 November 2026 – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed Theodore Klouvas, Science, Education, and Economic Affairs Counsellor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Indonesia, for a courtesy meeting at Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK) UGM. The meeting served as an opportunity to introduce the newly appointed Counsellor, discuss ongoing collaborations between UGM and Dutch universities, and explore potential partnerships involving the public and private sectors.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the visit, Mr. Klouvas remarked, “I’m very happy to finally be here at UGM. I’ve heard so many good things about the university, and it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to visit in person.”

Representing UGM, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., Vice Rector for Education and Learning, warmly welcomed Mr. Klouvas and Ms. Puji Astuti, the Dutch Embassy’s Education and Science Advisor, expressing her appreciation for the visit and the opportunity to further strengthen the partnership between UGM and the Netherlands. 

“We have had extensive collaborations with universities in the Netherlands, particularly in the fields of social sciences and humanities. We are also looking forward to expanding our collaboration into other areas,” she stated.

The collaboration between UGM and Dutch universities covers various areas, such as joint research, student exchanges, double-degree programmes, and doctoral education. UGM has established partnerships with 20 institutions in the Netherlands, including with Leiden University, the University of Twente, the University of Groningen, Wageningen University and Research, and Utrecht University. One example is UGM’s research partnership with Leiden University, which explores the use of artificial intelligence for tuberculosis (TB) screening.

In response to UGM’s existing partnerships and research initiatives, Mr. Klouvas expressed his appreciation for the university’s achievements and its growing ties with Dutch institutions. “It’s impressive to hear that. That’s why our Dutch universities are very eager to collaborate with UGM,” he noted.

Looking ahead, the meeting also explored the possibility of developing the Knowledge Empowers You (KEY) Program, an upcoming flagship initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands aimed at fostering collaboration across selected priority sectors, including energy, health, and agriculture. The initiative would involve identifying opportunities within each sector and connecting universities with government institutions and private-sector partners. 

Prof. Wening welcomed the prospect of expanding these partnerships, particularly in areas where UGM’s research and community engagement could contribute to broader development. “I think this is a very good opportunity, and I believe we have great potential to develop our collaboration further.”

Through this meeting, UGM and the Dutch Embassy reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening academic partnerships and exploring new opportunities for collaboration across education, research, and innovation.

Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) in Toruń, Poland, expressed its interest in exploring potential collaboration with Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in student and staff mobility, joint research initiatives, and broader academic partnerships during a meeting at Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK) UGM on November 4, 2026. The meeting marked an initial step toward developing potential cooperation schemes in research and education, with discussions spanning several academic fields, particularly medicine, chemistry, fine arts, politics, and business.

Established in 1945, Nicolaus Copernicus University is one of Poland’s largest higher education institutions, with nearly 30,000 students across 16 faculties. The university offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in 80 fields of study. International collaboration is central to NCU’s academic philosophy, reflected in its participation in the Erasmus program and bilateral partnerships with universities worldwide. Individual departments also maintain their own international networks, while several of its research facilities are recognized among the best in Poland.

During the meeting, Prof. Magdalena Barwiolek, Vice Rector for International Relations at Nicolaus Copernicus University, introduced NCU’s diverse academic strengths, internationalization initiatives, and research capabilities. She highlighted the university’s broad academic portfolio, spanning STEM disciplines, including biology and geography, as well as humanities, fine arts, and medicine. She also emphasized NCU’s commitment to international education as a key part of its institutional development, particularly through international partnerships and academic mobility. Furthermore, the discussion explored opportunities to connect researchers from both universities and identify potential areas for collaborative research and educational programs.

“We have a wide range of academic disciplines, from STEM fields such as biology and geography to humanities, fine arts, and medicine. Internationalization is also an important part of our educational mission. We see great potential in matching researchers from both universities and exploring opportunities for joint programs as well as exploring scholarship opportunities to support greater access to international education,” she explained.

Representing UGM, Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D., Head of UGM’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), highlighted the university’s comprehensive academic offerings across four academic clusters. He emphasized the importance of beginning the partnership through curriculum and course recognition, and introduced a proposed 3+1+1 pathway designed to support student mobility between the two institutions. He acknowledged that differences in credit conversion policies and curriculum weighting between universities can make course recognition challenging, and suggested that both sides start by identifying the courses that already align.

“With our diverse academic offerings across four academic clusters, UGM sees significant potential for collaboration with NCU. We believe that beginning with curriculum and course recognition will provide a strong foundation for developing student mobility and other academic initiatives that are mutually beneficial for both institutions. We understand that credit conversion policies and curriculum weighting differ between universities, which can make recognition difficult. That is why we can begin by matching the courses that already correspond, and build the pathway from there.” he explained.

Both universities also discussed the potential establishment of research, should circumstances allow, to facilitate joint research initiatives and strengthen collaboration between their academic communities. The conversation further explored opportunities related to the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP), including an inclusive scholarship scheme for Indonesian students expected to open next year and to be organized and managed directly by the Indonesian government. The discussion highlighted the potential for cooperation between the government as the scholarship provider and universities as participating educational institutions. NCU also sought clarification on the requirements and expectations for participating universities, particularly regarding provisions of a Letter of Agreement (LoA), given the competitive nature of the scholarship scheme. Both parties acknowledged that aligning academic programs and curricula would be an important preliminary step, although the process may require further discussion and coordination between the respective study programs.

Through continued communication and coordination, UGM and NCU hope to build on this initial engagement and develop a meaningful, long-term institutional partnership. Both universities aim to advance discussions on potential cooperation schemes while working closely with relevant faculties and academic units to identify shared priorities and refine the structure of future programs. This initial meeting is expected to open new avenues for academic exchange, collaborative research, and stronger international connections between Indonesia and Poland.

Yogyakarta, November 05, 2026 – The Office of International Affairs (OIA) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed a benchmarking visit from the Office of International Affairs of Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) on Thursday, November 05, 2026. The visit aimed to gain insight, share experiences, and learn about best practices in managing internationalization services, particularly regarding the licensing and immigration processes for international students, as well as the admissions and selection system for new international students.

With more than 423 international students from various countries currently studying at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Office of International Affairs UGM shared its experience in managing the international student journey, ranging from pre-arrival communication and campus integration to academic and non-academic support. UGM also introduced its incoming mobility programmes, including double degree opportunities, scholarship schemes, and summer courses. Beyond incoming mobility, the session also highlighted opportunities for UGM students and academics to engage internationally. Discussions covered outgoing mobility procedures, fellowship programmes, research collaborations and publications, as well as scholarship opportunities. Through this exchange, both institutions explored various avenues to strengthen academic collaboration and expand international engagement.

The discussion also highlighted the role of UGM Buddy Club, a student-led initiative that collaborates with OIA UGM in facilitating international students’ transition to university life. Supported by approximately 70 active buddies, the club oversees several activities, including buddy assignments, programme coordination, and external relations. It also contributes to the welcoming process for incoming international students through programmes such as PIONEER. The exchange further explored the importance of providing personalized mentoring tailored to students’ needs, enabling them to receive initial assistance, become familiar with campus life, and prepare for their arrival at UGM.

Dra. Harniati, Head of Information and Permit Services Subdirectorate at Office of International Affairs UNHAS, highlighted the importance of learning from other institutions as part of UNHAS’s efforts to enhance the quality of its internationalization governance, particularly in strengthening the management of international students and improving international student services.

“We see this visit as a valuable opportunity to learn from UGM’s experience in managing international students and strengthening international services. Currently, our scholarship programme mainly involves the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship, so we are particularly interested in learning more about the admission and selection processes for other scholarship schemes,” she said. “We also see UGM Buddy Club as a good practice that could serve as a reference for developing student support systems at UNHAS. We hope this visit will facilitate meaningful knowledge and experience sharing to improve the quality of internationalization management at our university while further strengthening the institutional relationship between UNHAS and UGM.”

Afia Rifkiani, MAIS, Head of the Mobility Team at the Office of International Affairs (OIA) UGM, emphasized the growing importance of digital communication and publications in strengthening international engagement. She noted that social media platforms and institutional websites have become key sources of information for both UGM students and prospective international students.

“Nowadays, both UGM students and international students coming to UGM rely on platforms such as Instagram, websites, and other social media channels to access information. At OIA UGM, we have a dedicated team responsible for communicating and promoting our activities, ranging from partnerships and international networks to student mobility programmes,” she said.

Beyond student mentoring, the two institutions also exchanged perspectives on scholarship opportunities for students. The discussion explored the application procedures and mechanisms for accessing the Indonesian AID Scholarship (TIAS), a grant programme offered by the Government of Indonesia to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the education sector. The exchange also highlighted opportunities for students to pursue further education and expand their academic experiences through the scholarship.

Through this benchmarking initiative, the Office of International Affairs UGM reaffirmed its commitment to fostering institutional collaboration through knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices. The discussion covered various aspects of international engagement, including partnership development and networks, collaborative programmes, incoming and outgoing mobility, student admission, and media publications. By sharing experiences and learning from one another, both institutions hope to identify new opportunities for collaboration, strengthen their international programmes, and create meaningful impacts through continued institutional learning and cooperation.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Leiden University, the Netherlands, discussed the progress of their ongoing academic partnership and opportunities to expand future collaboration during a meeting at UGM on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The meeting served as a forum for both universities to exchange updates on existing faculty-level and university-wide partnerships and consider ways to broaden academic engagement.

Representing Leiden University were Mr. Marrik Bellen, Director of the Office of Leiden University in Indonesia; Ms. Zweta Manggarani, Deputy Director and Academic Coordinator; Ms. Risa Nihayah, Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Academic Coordinator; and Mr. Afwan Afwandi, Academic and Education Support Officer. On UGM’s side, the meeting was attended by Mr. Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D., Head of UGM’s Office of International Affairs, along with other representatives from the office. 

Student mobility remained one of the key areas of discussion, particularly the possibility of increasing the number of exchange opportunities available to students. The two universities discussed their ongoing joint PhD programmes involving UGM’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biology, and Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FKKMK). Further opportunities for academic collaboration were also considered, including joint supervision arrangements and the possibility of introducing a multidisciplinary joint minor for undergraduate students within the INUCoST framework

Beyond student and academic mobility, discussions extended to ways of connecting university research with industry. Mr. Tyas highlighted the potential for benchmarking initiatives to support research downstreaming and encourage the development of research-based products for industrial applications.

“We see benchmarking as an opportunity to learn how research outcomes can be further developed into products and brought into industry. This is one of the areas we are interested in pursuing with and learning from Leiden University,” he stated.

Mr. Marrik Bellen welcomed the opportunity to further strengthen the partnership between Leiden University and UGM. He noted that the existing Leiden-UGM Twin Laboratory (often called the Twin-Lab) could be one way to start realizing the university-to-industry initiatives. 

“The Twin-Lab could provide a space for researchers from both universities to work together in  exchange of knowledge and developing collaborative research initiatives, including expanding the impact of the joint research in the form of triple helix collaboration (university-industry-government),” he said. 

The meeting also served as part of the preparations for the upcoming visit of Leiden University President Prof. Luc Sels to UGM in January 2027. The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both universities to further discuss their partnership and identify areas for continued cooperation.

Through ongoing academic exchange and closer research engagement, UGM and Leiden University aim to build on their established relationship and create further opportunities for students, researchers, and academic communities at both institutions.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Aalto University, Finland, explored opportunities to strengthen their institutional partnership during a meeting at UGM on November 3, 2026. The discussion outlined several strategic initiatives, including initiating the institutional framework for collaboration, exploring a double-degree master’s program with the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, sharing information on Aalto University grants for short courses, and exploring the potential use of the EQUITY program from Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology to support student mobility and joint research. These initiatives aim to strengthen academic and research collaboration, particularly in science, technology, and engineering, while expanding international opportunities for students and academics.

Aalto University is a unique collaborative hub in Finland, a country consistently ranked among the happiest in the world for its safety, cleanliness, equality, and balanced way of life. Each year, Aalto’s students complete approximately 250 doctoral degrees, 2,200 master’s degrees, 1,700 bachelor’s degrees, and 300 MBA and Executive MBA certificates. The university has around 16,000 degree students, with international students making up 9% of bachelor’s, 25% of master’s, and 40% of doctoral students.

During the meeting, Prof. Pekka Marttinen, Vice Dean for Education and Associate Professor of Machine Learning in the School of Science at Aalto University, introduced six academic schools that could serve as pathways for UGM students: the School of Arts, Design and Architecture; School of Electrical Engineering; School of Engineering; School of Science; School of Chemical Engineering; and School of Business.

Representing UGM, Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D., Head of UGM’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), highlighted the university’s comprehensive academic offerings across four academic clusters. He emphasized the importance of beginning the partnership through curriculum and course recognition. 

“The first step is to exchange our syllabi and recognize the courses offered at both universities. We already have several one- and two-year programs that could serve as a reference for the potential collaboration between UGM and Alto,” he explained. A Double Degree model at the Master’s level is seen by both universities as the low-hanging fruit that could be further examined at the Program Study level.

Beyond curriculum development and educational collaboration, the meeting also explored opportunities for joint research, in line with the Indonesian government’s efforts to strengthen research support. Aalto University introduced its International Summer Research Program 2027, a 12-week program offering students full-time supervised research experience in Finland, alongside international networking, cultural activities, and salary and travel benefits.

Both universities also discussed the potential to establish research consortia, starting with science and engineering fields and expanding into other disciplines. Aalto University highlighted its strengths in materials science, metallurgy, process engineering, and artificial intelligence research through the ELLIS Institute Finland, part of the pan-European ELLIS network. Meanwhile, UGM offers complementary research expertise, particularly in green energy, sustainable buildings, and infrastructure at the Faculty of Engineering, as well as algorithms, electrical instrumentation, and computer networks at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA UGM). These shared interests provide opportunities to develop interdisciplinary research and strengthen international academic collaboration.

As part of the visit, Aalto University representatives also participated in guest lectures at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences UGM. Prof. Pekka Marttinen and Dr. Heli Lehtivuori shared their expertise through sessions on Recent Advances in Teaching AI Agents New Skills and Knowledge and Primetime Learning in Chemical Engineering. The lectures provided an opportunity for UGM students and academics to engage directly with international researchers, exchange perspectives, and explore developments in emerging fields of science and technology.

Through continued communication and coordination, UGM and Aalto University aim to advance discussions toward formalizing the partnership while working closely with the relevant faculties and academic units to refine the program structure. Given the large number of students in the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering, interest is expected to center on urban planning, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, and computer science, particularly within international undergraduate programs. 

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales (Inalco), France, discussed potential academic collaboration during a courtesy meeting at UGM Central Office on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The discussion centred on student exchange, summer programmes, co-supervision, and the potential development of a double-degree programme.

The Inalco delegation was led by Prof. Gilles Forlot, Vice-President for European and International Affairs. During the meeting, he expressed his appreciation for UGM’s hospitality and welcomed the opportunity to discuss potential areas of cooperation between the two universities.

“Thank you so much for hosting us. We are eager to discuss possibilities that we can develop together,” he said.

UGM Vice Rector for Education and Learning, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., warmly welcomed the visit and highlighted the potential for collaboration in language studies and international learning.

“I believe there are many opportunities for UGM and Inalco to collaborate, particularly in language studies, as UGM offers a range of language programmes, including French. Through this collaboration, we hope to provide our students with greater international exposure and opportunities to broaden their academic experiences,” she stated.

The proposed collaboration would open opportunities for student exchange, summer programmes, and co-supervision between UGM and Inalco. Through student exchange and summer programmes, UGM students could gain international exposure, experience different academic environments, and broaden their perspectives through cross-cultural learning. Co-supervision arrangements could also strengthen academic collaboration between the two universities by allowing students and academics to learn from each other’s expertise and areas of specialisation.

The possibility of developing a double-degree programme was also considered, with a 3+1 pathway in undergraduate level emerging as a potential option. Further discussions would be needed to determine the participating study programmes, align curricula, and establish an appropriate programme structure before the proposal could move forward.

Through continued discussions and the development of potential joint programmes, UGM and Inalco aim to create more opportunities for international academic engagement, broaden students’ learning experiences, and encourage the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two universities. These efforts are expected to lay the groundwork for future collaboration in education and strengthen academic ties between Indonesia and France.

Yogyakarta, October 29, 2026 – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed a delegation from Curtin University, Western Australia, on Thursday, October 29, to explore the establishment of an institutional partnership. Discussions centered on potential cooperation in education and research, with a particular focus on equitable access to international academic experiences, student mobility, and short-term programs.

Curtin University is a globally recognized institution committed to transforming lives and communities through education and research. Sustainability is a key priority across its teaching, research, campus development, and community engagement initiatives. UGM and Curtin University already have an Agreement on Student Exchange and Study Abroad covering the 2024–2029 period, providing a foundation for further engagement. The two institutions have also collaborated on research, producing joint publications in areas of shared academic interest.

During the meeting, Priya Saracik, Global Partnerships Consultant at Curtin University, identified student mobility as a practical starting point for expanding ties between the two universities. She expressed interest in developing discipline-specific programs that would allow Curtin students to experience Indonesia through academic activities and community engagement, including micro-volunteering. “We are interested in establishing programs that bring our students to Indonesia, starting with student mobility. We can develop programs tailored to specific disciplines, incorporating experiences such as micro-volunteering and other activities. Starting with smaller initiatives will help us sustain and strengthen the partnership over time,” she said.

Dr. Hendra Gunosewoyo, Senior Lecturer in Medicinal Chemistry at Curtin University’s School of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, highlighted the importance of connecting academic exchanges with research networks. He emphasized the value of bringing researchers and academic supervisors together to identify common interests and develop joint initiatives. “As a researcher and supervisor, I see significant value in building these connections. By expanding our network of institutional partnerships, we can identify shared research interests and develop collaborative programs that benefit both universities,” he said.

Prof. Puji Astuti, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt., Director of UGM’s Directorate of Partnership and Global Relations, explained that UGM is actively encouraging the development of international partnerships that support equitable access to global academic opportunities. She noted that the university is seeking to connect prospective international partners with relevant faculties and research groups, while exploring funding mechanisms to support collaboration. 

“We want to grow together, not simply transfer students from one university to another. Our staff will work to identify and match international partners with relevant faculties and research groups. For equitable partnerships, we can use our own funding to get initiatives started, as the requirements for high-level research can be demanding. For example, at the Faculty of Pharmacy, there is considerable potential for short-term programs and summer courses. The key is to help students develop into capable scientists, and we can facilitate opportunities for them to work on their theses in collaboration with partner universities,” she said.

Prof. Puji also pointed to UGM’s experience in hosting international programs, including the UAUE Short Summer Program and Monash University’s Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG). These initiatives combine academic activities with cultural immersion and community-based learning, demonstrating how short-term mobility can create meaningful connections between participants and their host communities. Such models could provide a basis for future programs with Curtin University, potentially bringing together students and researchers from different disciplines to address shared academic and societal challenges.

The discussion also highlighted the role of funding in expanding international research engagement. UGM is among seven universities to receive support through a government research funding initiative administered by the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). This development is expected to expand UGM’s capacity to broaden its international engagement.

As part of the visit, the Curtin University delegation toured UGM’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Faculty of Biology to explore potential areas of cooperation in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, and biology. These visits provided an opportunity to connect academic expertise and identify possible avenues for joint research, student exchanges, and short-term academic programs. By building on existing exchange arrangements and identifying shared priorities, UGM and Curtin University aim to develop a sustained partnership that advances research, broadens access to international learning, and creates lasting benefits for students and academic communities at both institutions.

Yogyakarta, October 28, 2026 – The Office of International Affairs (OIA) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed a benchmarking visit from the Office of International Affairs of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The visit focused on exchanging insights and best practices in managing international student services, particularly in student assistance, accommodation, and buddy programs.

UGM currently hosts more than 423 international students from many countries in the Odd/Fall Semester, all under the care of UGM’s OIA. During the discussion, the UGM OIA team shared how it manages the student journey, from pre-arrival communication to settling in on campus.

A key part of the discussion focused on UGM Buddy Club, a student-led unit that supports OIA UGM in assisting international students. Its activities include buddy pairing, program coordination, and external relations. With approximately 70 active buddies, the club plays an important role in welcoming and assisting incoming international students, including through the PIONEER orientation program. UGM also highlighted the importance of establishing communication between buddies and incoming students before their arrival in Indonesia. As the number and needs of international students continue to grow, early engagement helps students prepare for their transition to university life and access initial guidance before arriving on campus.

The discussion also addressed the challenges of implementing buddy programs for students with different cultural backgrounds and expectations. Participants exchanged perspectives on adapting mentoring approaches to individual student needs, strengthening coordination between UGM Buddy Club and other student organizations, including ISAGAMA, and ensuring that international students can access the assistance they need throughout their studies.

Afia Rifkiani, MAIS, Head of the Mobility Team at the Office of International Affairs (OIA) UGM, highlighted the importance of adapting buddy programs to meet the diverse needs of international students.

“Participants exchanged perspectives on adapting mentoring approaches to individual student needs, strengthening coordination between UGM Buddy Club and other student organizations, including ISAGAMA (International Students Association at UGM), and ensuring that international students can access the assistance they need throughout their studies,” she said.

Head of the Hospitality Sub-directorate, Directorate of International Affairs Office, UMS, Ir. Wijayanto, M.Eng.Sc, emphasized the importance of learning from other institutions to strengthen international student support services.

“For UMS, which established its international affairs office around 2023, the benchmarking visit provided an opportunity to learn from UGM’s experience in developing international student support programs. The insights gathered are expected to inform further discussions and coordination within UMS, including upcoming coordination meetings on international student services.” he said. 

Beyond student mentoring, the two institutions also exchanged perspectives on the implementation of community engagement programs, particularly the Community Service Program (KKN), for international students. The discussion explored how such programs could be adapted to involve international students in community empowerment initiatives, while providing opportunities for them to engage with local communities and gain a deeper understanding of Indonesian society and culture.

Through this benchmarking initiative, OIA UGM reaffirmed the importance of knowledge sharing and institutional collaboration in improving international student services. By exchanging experiences and best practices, both universities aim to develop more inclusive, responsive, and culturally sensitive support systems that enable international students to thrive academically and socially.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Flinders University, Australia, discussed prospects for research and innovation collaboration during a meeting at UGM Central Office on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss potential areas of cooperation between the two universities, particularly in PhD research, industry partnerships, and innovation.

The Flinders University delegation included Prof. Tim Cavagnaro, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), and Prof. Eugene Sebastian, Executive Director of International Research Strategy. During the meeting, Prof. Eugene expressed Flinders University’s interest in expanding its engagement with UGM through research and academic programmes.

“Given the strong relationship between Indonesia and Australia, we see opportunities to strengthen collaboration between Flinders University and UGM through joint PhD research, student exchange programmes, and broader research innovation partnerships,” he stated.

UGM welcomed the opportunity to strengthen its ties with Flinders University. Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc., UGM Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, highlighted the shared vision between the two institutions in advancing research and product development.

“With our shared vision for innovation and product development, we warmly welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Flinders University. Through this partnership, we hope to turn research into innovative products that create added value and benefit society,” he noted.

One of the key topics discussed was the possibility of piloting industry-linked PhD programmes that combine joint supervision with a focus on product development. As proposed by Prof. Eugene Sebastian, the initiative would connect doctoral research with industry needs and support the development of practical solutions and products. 

UGM’s existing research and innovation initiatives, including the Program Promoting Research and Innovation through Modern and Efficient Science and Technology Parks Project (PRIME STeP), may serve as a foundation for joint initiatives. These initiatives could help both universities identify shared research interests and connect academic research with practical applications.

Moving forward, UGM and Flinders University will continue exploring opportunities for academic and industry collaboration. Through their shared expertise and industry connections, both universities aim to develop joint initiatives that foster innovation and create meaningful outcomes.